Working Together: Our Stories Best Practices and Lessons Learned in Aboriginal Engagement Table of Contents
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Working Together: Our Stories Best Practices and Lessons Learned in Aboriginal Engagement Table of Contents Parks Canada wishes to First photo: Message from Alan Latourelle, Métis Interpreter Bev Weber explaining traditional Métis art to Chief Executive Officer, Parks Canada ..........2 Jaylyn Anderson (4 yrs old). Rocky Mountain House National acknowledge and thank the Historic Site of Canada (© Parks Canada) Message from Elder Stewart King, many Aboriginal partners Second photo: Wasauksing First Nation and member Qapik Attagutsiak being interviewed by her daughter, Parks of Parks Canada’s Aboriginal Canada staff Kataisee Attagutsiak. Workshop on Places of and communities that it is Ecological and Cultural Significance for Sirmilik National Park Consultative Committee ................................4 of Canada, Borden Peninsula, Nunavut. (© Parks Canada / fortunate to work with for Micheline Manseau) Introduction ....................................................6 Third photo: their generous contribution Chapter 1 Craig Benoit of Miawpukek First Nation explains the defining features of Boreal Felt Lichen to Terra Nova National Park of Connecting With Aboriginal Partners ...........10 and collaboration. Canada staff Janet Feltham and Prince Edward Island National Park of Canada staff Kirby Tulk. (© Parks Canada / Robin Tulk) Chapter 2 Working Together to Protect Our Heritage .....20 Compiled by: Aboriginal Affairs Secretariat Chapter 3 Parks Canada Agency Gatineau, Quebec Presenting Our Special Place Together .......34 CAT. NO R62-419/2011 Conclusion ..................................................48 ISBN 978-1-100-53286-8 © Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, represented by the Chief Executive Officer of Parks Canada Agency, 2011 always evolving, we can still celebrate our many and the vision we have as an Agency. Our staff is accomplishments. I would like to take this oppor- committed to include and work with Aboriginal tunity to tell you why I’m grateful and give thanks communities. It’s only natural. Most of our national to the many people who have trusted us enough to parks are in very remote areas where the closest share this vision with us. community is quite often an Aboriginal community. I would like to acknowledge my many predeces- I recognize that our Aboriginal team members have sors, in particular Tom Lee, who was Chief Executive demonstrated their trust in Parks Canada’s mandate Officer for Parks Canada from 1998 to 2002. As a in a manner that far exceeds our expectations. I am Parks Canada staff member, I had the privilege of proud to be able to say that over 8% of our staff is working with Mr. Lee and experiencing first hand his Aboriginal, making us an employer of choice for Message from Alan Latourelle commitment to working with Aboriginal peoples in Aboriginal peoples in the public service. Every day, Chief Executive Officer, Parks Canada Agency a respectful manner. In 1999, Mr. Lee created the you help us build bridges, with your colleagues and Aboriginal Affairs Secretariat. The Secretariat is with Aboriginal communities. instrumental in supporting and providing opportu- These are your stories. These are our stories. nities for Aboriginal partners to meaningfully engage One hundred years ago, in 1911, Parks Canada was As we look back on what has been accom- with Parks Canada. They are real. They are inspiring. born. When you think about it, that’s a very short plished, we have many reasons to be proud. We I appreciate the support and knowledge that time in the history of this country. Parks Canada have come a long way as an organisation. In the Thank you! I am fortunate to receive from the people who was born out of a dream shared by a few people beginning, parks were established without much are members of the Aboriginal Consultative who wanted to create an organisation that would consultation with the public, Aboriginal and non- Committee; people such as Elder Stewart King help protect, for generations to come, the rich Aboriginal. However, we have learned from the from Wasauksing First Nation who was gracious heritage of the many people who inhabit this land. past. Today, we cannot imagine creating a new enough to present us with inspirational words and It was created to help protect the natural beauty park, site or marine conservation area without teachings found in the next pages. I am grateful for Alan Latourelle of this country, our most precious gems, to be the support and collaboration of the public, espe- CEO all the other members who take time out to meet Parks Canada enjoyed for generations to come in ways that leave cially Aboriginal peoples. In the past few decades, with me and who engage with me in frank and © Parks Canada them unimpaired. we have strived to build meaningful relationships open discussions that help us grow as an Agency. One hundred years later, that dream has with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples to I welcome the involvement of the many people become a reality and it is Canada’s gift to the ensure a more holistic stewardship of the land that we work with in Aboriginal communities all across world. Parks Canada protects and presents some include the cultural values and knowledge of its Canada. Your wisdom, your knowledge and your of the world’s biggest and most beautiful national people. We have learned that by working together willingness to help us respectfully manage these parks and national park reserves. Our national we can respect our differences and strengthen our treasured places is one of the greatest gifts you historic sites present the history of this land common values. This, in itself, is the definition of could give to future generations. and its people in magical historic settings and true partnerships. I value the work that our staff does, every day, our marine conservation areas connect us from Today, Parks Canada is recognized as an with Aboriginal peoples. This document and the sto- the Atlantic to the Pacific, from the Arctic to the international leader in working with Aboriginal ries that are highlighted here reflect the engagement Great Lakes. communities. Although our relationships are 2 3 places. The artificial lines and boundaries drawn on a survive there. The great lakes and forest regions give many maps today have no place in our culture along us the balance of four beauteous seasons; a time of with the names, labels and titles placed on Turtle harvest and a time of gathering along with a genuine Island and its original inhabitants. sense of gratitude for all the blessings of the Creator. Life in the cold icy regions has necessitated We have seen plains and ruts of wagon roads on this distinct changes in the diet and life skills of our land so loved by our Métis brothers and sisters. Guns northern brothers. We admire the natural beauty of pits have been dug into the sand for use as fortifica- the countless birdlife, the magnificent polar bear, the tions. Machine guns of an early age have sprayed narwhal and beluga whales swimming in turquoise countless bullets that are embedded into the ancient Message from Elder Stewart King waters; clear, cold fresh waters free of organic debris logs of old buildings. It tells of a history in the earlier Wasauksing First Nation and member of Parks Canada’s flowing down on rocky shores. We admire the hunt- times of this land that must be heard. Aboriginal Consultative Committee ing skills of people in hot, desert regions without the If we are to consider ourselves as the true use of guns; the planting of melons and citrus fruits caretakers of this land, it is necessary that we live and for many, many generations where they are now understand our own culture, history, language and being told that it is impossible. Springtime in early traditional values. The teaching of our Elders must be Travelling along a newly constructed stretch of The natural boundaries of Turtle Island were March captures the beauty and wonder of this land sought after and honoured. Those with the intimate highway, fresh graffiti obstructs, desecrates and carefully chosen and planned by Creator as is evi- with the vast, wide open blue skies, warm desert knowledge and ways of our people and land must be defaces miles of rock cuts blasted into ancient denced once you become aware of the many dif- sands, sunshine and the scent of cactus flowers waft- honoured and woven into the very fabric of our lives. Laurentian shields. The clear, green waters of the ferent Aboriginal peoples and cultures around you. ing in light breezes. The hope, the vitality and Georgian Bay, once considered safe for drinking, Their connection of being one with the land remains To witness the dizzying heights of the snow Stewart King the contemporary views bears a warning today against doing so. In spite of unchanged in over a millennium for there is no covered mountain peaks, ice and rock glaciers devel- (Aka Zhengos, Megizi of our youth are sought this, it is being pumped into massive intake systems other place that they would rather choose to live. odoodem) oping agelessly, continually; longhorn sheep, bears Wasauksing First Nation after and needed so that for use by industry and an ever-increasing popula- Their hunting and fishing skills are an integral part Member of Parks and antelope grazing on grassy, sunlit and wind- Canada’s Aboriginal we can move forward in tion. A genuine concern for all the waters and genu- of who they are; the medicine plants mastered over swept hills. We admire the boating and fishing skills Consultative Committee this joint effort. ine care for remaining land and natural resources time immemorial has served in place of medical doc- Parry Sound, Ontario adopted by our people of the coastal salt waters; are needed desperately in North America today.